Top Cruise Travel Stories From April

by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Sat April 29, 2023

Carnival Corporation Unveils Sustainability Report

1/13 Carnival Corporation released its 13th annual sustainability report, detailing initiatives and momentum across environmental, social and governance focus areas. Data found significant progress toward its goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2050, and a circular economy model focused on waste reduction, recycling and management.

 

NCLH Creates New Emissions Goals

2/13 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings created new short- and near-term greenhouse gas emissions targets to continue its goal of becoming net zero by 2050, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent by 2026 and 25 percent by 2030, according to the 2019 baseline.

 

Carnival Expands Health, Safety Partnership

3/13 Carnival Cruise Line expanded its health and safety partnership with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and pledged to prioritize the HESS (Health, Environment, Safety, and Sustainability) Excellence program aboard the cruise line’s ships.

 

Princess Reveals Caribbean Sailings for Sun Princess

4/13 Princess Cruises announced its largest ship ever, Sun Princess, will make her United States debut in October 2024 with a series of seven- and 14-day Caribbean itineraries. Bookings for the inaugural Caribbean season are now on sale.

 

Viking Saturn Delivered

5/13 Viking Saturn, the newest ocean cruise ship for Viking, was delivered on April 26 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. The new vessel’s interior was designed by Los Angeles-based Rottet Studios and London-based SMC Design, who gave the ship a Scandinavian feel with sophisticated yet functional elegance.

 

Princess' World Voyage 2025 to Be Longest Ever

6/13 Princess Cruises announced that 2025 will see the line launch its longest-ever voyage: a 116-day World Cruise that will sail over 33,500 nautical miles, while winding its way through 51 destinations in 26 countries that span six continents.

 

Viking Will Keep COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

7/13 While some cruise lines have slowly begun doing away with their COVID-19 vaccination policies, Viking is standing by its requirement that guests must have the vaccination in order to sail. The policy will remain in place across the cruise line’s river, ocean and expedition ships for the indefinite future.

 

River Cruising Continues to Grow in Appeal

8/13 River cruising has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past two decades – and in the aftermath of the pandemic its appeal is growing stronger still, according to travel advisors who specialize in the niche. “2023 is shaping up to be a record year for river cruising,” said Pamela Small of Pam Small Travel, an affiliate of Travel Experts.

 

AmaWaterways Extends Free Land Package Offer

9/13 AmaWaterways is extending its popular pre- or post-cruise Complimentary Land Package offer for select itineraries in 2023 and 2024 for those who book by June 30. The cruise line is also offering a limited-time AirPlus promotion that allows guests to purchase economy airfare for $899.

 

Virgin Voyages Adds World Poker Tour Room

10/13 Virgin Voyages announced a new partnership with the World Poker Tour (WPT) to offer a unique experience aboard Scarlet Lady. The ship’s new “WPT at Sea” Poker Room venue boasts eight custom poker tables and will be staffed with professional dealers.

 

Norwegian to Offer SpaceX’s Starlink on All Ships

11/13 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced it would offer SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on all ships. The company will test the service on Norwegian Breakaway and roll out the internet across its Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.

 

Highlighting DCL's Adults-Only Experiences

12/13 The Disney Cruise Line is known for its commitment to families traveling with children, but the brand is highlighting its offerings for passengers aged 18 and older. DCL offers secluded places, pampering, nighttime entertainment venues, fine dining, private pools, secluded sundecks and comfy cafes that allow grown-ups to indulge, unwind, relax and rejuvenate in exclusive areas.

 

Jeff Corwin to Host Alaska Cruise with Princess

13/13 Renowned wildlife biologist and TV personality Jeff Corwin will host a special Nature & Adventure Voyage to Alaska onboard Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess ship this September 2023.

 

As travel demand continues to accelerate ahead of the busy summer season, more and more cruise lines are working to improve the passenger experience and grow the industry to meet the elevated standards of customers.

The spring travel boom is well underway and cruise lines have started to shift their focus to what’s next, including future itineraries.

From a focus on sustainability to the addition of new ships, companies throughout the cruise industry continue to capitalize on travel’s resurgence. Add in updates about coronavirus-related policies and unique entertainment options, and there has never been a better time to hit the high seas.

With data suggesting cruise travel is one of the industry’s fastest-growing sectors, companies like Carnival, Norwegian and Princess have taken advantage by making major waves over the last month. Here are the top stories from April.

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